About Tom

About Tom

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Tom was born and lived in Portsmouth. He was a lovely boy, friendly, caring, polite, good fun and always a pleasure to be in his company.

He was a keen sportsman enjoying football, softball, cricket and golf. His passion was football and as well as playing for 3 football teams at the same time, he was also a season ticket holder at Portsmouth Football Club.

He had dreams and ambitions and lived his life to the full… allways.

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In February 2003 Tom was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) of the left humerus. Treatment lasted 8 months, which included 18 weeks of chemotherapy and the removal of the humerus, replaced by a titanium implant.

Tom finished his treatment at the end of October 2003. For the next two months he returned to school and lived life to the max. In January 2004 scans reveiled metastasis had grown and surgery to both lungs was required. After surgery he then had 6 more sessions of chemotherapy. His treatment was very intense, spending weeks in hospital and suffering side effects.

He amazed both family and hospital staff with his ability to cope with the whole situation, never moaning, always hopeful and cheerful.

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He had a brief spell from July to September where again he returned to his life in the fast lane, enjoying all the things that were dear to him. Unfortunately tumours to the lung returned and another operation took place on the 9th September. Tom endured and again pulled himself through, determined to carry on, looking forward to returning to school etc.

At the end of September 2004 a brain scan confirmed tumours and sadly on 18th October 2004 Tom passed away at home, on the eve of his 16th birthday.

Although a boy, Tom had the bravery and endurance of several men. He spread his love and smile, inspired us all and is greatly missed by everyone.

Almost immediately after Tom passed away, family and friends felt the need to keep Tom’s memory alive and to do something positive in his name. We decided to set up The Tom Prince Cancer Trust and proceeded to make the trust a registered charity.